Illustration credit: Jackie Juarez
As the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season approaches, Houstonians must prepare thoroughly.
“Over 2 million residential properties in Houston face moderate or higher risk of hurricane wind damage, with potential reconstruction costs exceeding $671 billion,” according to local emergency management presentations provided to major healthcare organizations in preparation for the 2025 season
Prepare Now
With hurricane season approaching, experts advise preparing immediately, at work and at home.
National Oceanic Atmospheric Association forecasts predict a higher-than-normal storm season, with early storms possible before the official June 1 start date.
“The right time to start preparing is now,” emphasize local emergency management bulletins. While hurricane predictions vary yearly, local officials stress that “all it takes is one storm” to cause significant disruption.
“We have all these predictions, but that’s all it is, regardless of what the predictions are, we still have to prepare. The predictions could be below normal, but all it takes is one storm.”
Houston-area emergency management officials point to hurricanes Katrina and Harvey as “perfect examples” of why preparation remains essential regardless of seasonal forecasts.
Understanding Hazards
Hurricane dangers extend beyond the initial storm. Storm surge often presents the greatest risk, along with indirect impacts.
Local emergency management authorities emphasize that these indirect effects can be devastating even without a direct hit: “It doesn’t have to be [a] direct hit [to] Houston. It can sideswipe us and still really cause a lot of problems.”
“It’s not always the first part of the storm that is the most dangerous. It is the surge,” local officials note. “Depending on whether it’s a rain event or a wind event, we could have extensive flooding, extensive power outages. There’s always tornadoes.”
Staying Connected
Update your mobile number in emergency alert systems at work and school. Ensure your number is in the files for your children and dependents. Without current contact information for work and school, you may miss critical communications that could impact both your safety and work responsibilities.
Make sure you let people know where you are, what your evacuation plan is, and how to contact you for updates.
Government and Federal Emergency Management Agency websites provide valuable information on emergency preparedness guides and personal preparedness plans for hurricane season.
Trusted sources include Ready.gov, the National Hurricane Center, Houston TranStar, and ReadyHarris. Preparing in advance ensures safety for yourself, your family and pets during hurricane season. Staying informed allows for prompt action when necessary.
Preparation essentials include developing contingency plans for family and pets, such as arranging for someone to pick up pets or belongings if you cannot leave work. Maintain and fuel vehicles regularly, stock emergency supplies before shortages occur, and develop evacuation plans for flood-prone areas.
According to the National Hurricane Center, emergency kits should include water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days), non-perishable food items (minimum three-day supply), communications equipment (battery-powered radio, cellphone and chargers), lighting (flashlights and extra batteries), and medical supplies (first aid kit and essential medications).
Also necessary are copies of personal documents with emergency contact information, tools for securing your home, personal hygiene products, clothing, emergency blankets, cash, area maps, extra keys, insect repellent, and a camera for damage documentation.
Families with children should include baby supplies if applicable, comfort items such as favorite toys, books and games, extra clothing, and child-friendly snacks. Households with elderly or medically vulnerable members need a two-week supply of prescription medications, medical supplies, and devices with backup power, personal hygiene items, comfort items, and an emergency contact list for healthcare providers.
Pet owners should prepare a one-week supply of pet food and water, medications and prescriptions, leash, collar with ID tags and carrier, comfort items, waste disposal supplies, and current photographs of pets.
If evacuation becomes necessary, use designated routes. The Texas Department of Transportation recommends I-10 and I-45, which have minimal construction and serve as primary evacuation routes.